Overview

• Seattle Mariners pitcher George Kirby has been diagnosed with right shoulder inflammation and will likely start the season on the 15-day injured list.
• An MRI confirmed there is no structural damage, and the team expects the issue to be resolved with rest and recovery.
• General Manager Justin Hollander emphasized the decision to sideline Kirby was made with a long-term view of the season in mind, despite Kirby expressing a desire to continue pitching.
• Kirby, a former All-Star, has established himself as a key member of the Mariners' rotation, delivering a 3.43 ERA across 511 2/3 innings in his career.
• Seattle plans to rely on its existing pitching depth, including Logan Gilbert, Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller, and Bryan Woo, while Kirby recovers.